Risks

As with any surgery, knee replacement surgery carries risks. For knee replacement surgery, these risks are low. They include:

Infection

Blood clots in the leg vein or lungs

Heart attack

Stroke

Nerve damage

Signs of infection

Although the risk of infection is low, notify your doctor immediately if you notice:

Fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C)

Shaking chills

Drainage from the surgical site

Increasing redness, tenderness, swelling and pain in the knee

An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove the artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After the infection is cleared, another surgery is performed to install a new knee. Your chances of a good or excellent outcome that reduces pain and improves function lessen with each additional surgery.

Artificial knees can wear out

Another risk of knee replacement surgery is failure of the artificial joint. With daily use, even the strongest metal and plastic parts eventually wear out. Joint failure risk is higher if you stress the joint with high-impact activities or excessive weight.

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